Esperance is next on the list to host one of the national sheep forums touring the country, aimed at increasing producer awareness of the tools, techniques and technologies available to them.

The use of technology to improve and simplify sheep management will be a key focus at the It’s Ewe Time event on Tuesday, August 22.

Part of the Making More From Sheep initiative, the It’s Ewe Time forums are designed to increase producer awareness of the ways they can build a profitable and productive sheep enterprise.

The series of forums is hosted by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with Meat and Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation.

The line-up of expert speakers in Esperance include the department’s senior economist Tamara Alexander, Brown Besier of Besier Parasitology, and Daniel Brown from Sheep genetics.

Department sheep research officer John Paul Collins will discuss the use of new on-farm technology to improve labour efficiency, sheep traceability and breeding in sheep businesses.

“There are a range of labour-saving tools for producers to increase efficiency and improve on-farm sheep management,” Mr Collins said.

Broomehill farmer and pilot group member Scott Newbey started using a sheep handler for weaning in October last year.

Mr Newbey would have previously worked up and down the race providing three separate needles, a drench and flystrike prevention treatment, but has now consolidated all of these tasks in a one-pass operation.

“I now use the handler for additional tasks, including vaccinations, backlining sheep off-shears and preparing cross-bred lambs for sale,” Mr Newbey said.

“The handler has reduced the time needed to complete these tasks, and has allowed me to improve management practices and collect extra bodyweight data.”

For further information on It’s Ewe Time or to register for an event, visit wool.com/events